Arsenal In Nainggolan Link

Arsenal Added To List Of Potential Suitors

Arsenal are one of three clubs being linked with a summer move for Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan.

Belgium international Nainggolan has long been a target for Premier League clubs. Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked in the past – there were reports last summer that United were ready to put in a bid.

Nainggolan responded to the speculation on that occasion by signing a new deal with the Serie A side. He then revealed earlier this year that he turned down the chance of a move to Chelsea.

But fresh speculation has emerged regarding his future. It follows a statement from Roma sporting director Monchi that the Serie A side had to sell Mo Salah to Liverpool last summer in order to fall within Uefa’s Financial Fair Play guidelines. Despite getting as far as the Champions League semi-finals this season Roma may well have to sell again this summer and Nainggolan appears to be their most saleable asset.

Arsenal have been added to the list of clubs interested. The Gunners have always had a policy of not signing players over the age of 30. Nainggolan turns 30 next month. But times are changing at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger leaves at the end of the season and recruitment is being handled by new boy Sven Mislintat. It isn’t known whether he will maintain the club’s policy with regards to older players.

However, Luis Enrique is known to be an admirer of Nainggolan. The Spaniard is the favourite to succeed Wenger as Arsenal manager and his appointment could trigger a move.

Vieira Happy To Be Linked With Arsenal Job

Former Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has thrown his hat into the ring for the job as club manager.

Vieira is currently manager of MLS side New York City but his contract there expires at the end of November and he welcomes the speculation linking him with the Gunners.

“I know what people are saying, and I’m really happy about that.

“It’s an honour to be mentioned with Arsenal – I love the club. I played my best football there and made my name in the game.”

But Vieira insists he is ready to make into management at a top European side.

“I am always going to have a deeper relationship with Arsenal. That is not enough to coach that team but I’m ready to coach any side in Europe,” he added.

“I don’t want this to be perceived that I want to go because I don’t want to leave. But, if the question is as simple as: ‘Are you ready to manage any teams in Europe?’, then I would say: ‘Yes. I am ready.”